Mac Cost

How Much Does a Mac Cost?

The decision to opt for a Mac over a PC is now as much one of personal taste as it is about how the computer is to be used. While Apple doesn't offer a low-end Mac to compete with the slew of budget-priced PCs, Macs do offer comparable value to similarly equipped PC models. The range of Apple Mac computers includes three desktop and three laptop (MacBook) models.

Typical costs:

The the Mac mini, which measures 6.5 inches square and 2 inches high is available for about $600 to $800. It's aimed at general purpose and home office users, especially those with limited space. With a basic configuration of a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB memory and 120GB hard drive, the Mac mini[1] will cost a little under $600 but does not include keyboard, mouse or monitor. With a 24-inch Apple display and Apple keyboard and mouse, expect to pay $1,600.

Another Mac desktop model for those with limited space is the all-in-one iMac. Expect to pay $1,200 to $2,200 for a slim design that includes keyboard, mouse and integrated 20- or 24-inch monitor. Ideal for multimedia use, the iMac[2] with 24-inch screen, a 2.93GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB memory and 640GB hard drive sells for about $1,800, and gives gamers the option to upgrade to a more powerful graphics card.

The Mac Pro retails from about $2,500 to $3,300. It's ideal for power users, video gamers and those working professionally with graphics or video. With plenty of expansion options, a Mac Pro[3] equipped with 8-core processor, 6GB memory and Mac's fastest graphics will cost about $3,300 without a monitor. With a 24-inch flat-panel Apple monitor expect to pay about $4,200.

Apple's general-purpose laptop, the MacBook, ranges in price from about $1,000 to $2,800. Available in a white or aluminum shell, a MacBook features a 13-inch screen, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor and integrated graphics card. At about 4.5 pounds, the MacBook is extremely portable but does lack an Express or SD card slot and a FireWire port. The 2.4GHz MacBook[4] with 2GB of memory is available for about $1,000.

Apple's ultraportable laptop, the MacBook Air, is aimed at business travelers. The 1.6 or 1.86GHz processor is slower than a MacBook but what it loses in power it gains in portability. The 13.3-inch screen is a little larger than a standard MacBook but the MacBook Air weighs just 3 pounds and is only 3/4 of an inch thick. Expect to pay from $1,500 to $2,800 for a MacBook Air. A 1.86GHz version MacBook Air[5] with 2GB of memory runs $1,500.

With a weight of about 6.6 pounds, the MacBook Pro isn't as portable as other MacBook models but its dual graphics setup means it can offer more power or better battery life. Less than an inch thick, the MacBook Pro comes with a 15- or 17-inch screen, making it ideal for media professionals on the go. Depending on configuration, expect to pay about $2,000 to $4,600. The cost of a MacBook Pro[6] with 17-inch screen, 2.66GHZ Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4GB of memory is about $2,800.

Macs operate on the Mac OS X Leopard system, although additional software enables a Mac to operate Windows as well.

The MacBook models should include a rechargeable battery, power adapter and built-in wireless capability.

Additional costs:

Software to run Windows as well as OS X on a Mac costs about $80.

The Mac mini ships without a keyboard, mouse or monitor while the Mac Pro desktop unit does not include a monitor. An Apple brand keyboard and mouse costs from about $100 to $130 while an LCD Apple monitor costs from $900 to $1,800. Less expensive extras are available outside the Apple brand. Keyboards start at about $10 and monitors start at under $100. See: How Much Does a Computer Monitor Cost.

Frequent travelers may want an extra MacBook battery, from $130 to $200.

A carrying case will protect a MacBook during transport. Apple cases cost $35 to $180 while generic cases start at $10.

4GB extra memory costs from $200 for MacBook to $800 for Mac Pro.

Discounts:

Apple offers discounts for students and educators at the Apple Store[7]

Government agencies and employees can also find discounted prices at the Apple Website[8]

Shopping for a mac:

MacWorld[9] offers a Mac Buying Guide that covers both desktop and MacBook models.

Big box retailers such as such as Best Buy stock Macs as do websites such as Amazon[10] .

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CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

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